Gardening

Living in a hotel-inspired condo

Dreams of concierges, spas and fitness trainers

A condo unit at Toronto's Ritz Carlton Hotel. There's a large, privileged segment of the population for whom this type of residence fills a real niche. Particularly for those who travel a lot - business people, politicians, professional athletes, well-to-do retirees - the combination of a private home with the amenities of an upscale hotel couldn't be more welcome.

Photograph by: Peter J. Thompson
, Postmedia News

The cool factor is not in question; neither is the unparalleled convenience. But if you're into cutting costs, cutting coupons and cutting your own hair, hotel-inspired condo living — the type that involves phoning down to the concierge to make sure your Labradoodle has been walked — is pure fantasy.

So, what's wrong with a little fantasy?

The fact is, there's a large, privileged segment of the population for whom this type of residence fills a real niche. Particularly for those who travel a lot — business people, politicians, professional athletes, well-to-do retirees — the combination of a private home with the amenities of an upscale hotel couldn't be more welcome.

Hotel-inspired condos have been around for a number of years, but they're just beginning to make a real impact in Canadian cities, including Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.

Some marketers use the term loosely to describe any condo complex with terrific amenities, but it's more properly reserved for those that provide residents with genuine hotel-style services. In most cases, this is done by developing a highrise condo whose lower floors comprise an upscale hotel.

In a way, it's a no-brainer. The developer is able to offer residents a full complement of top-notch services only because they're guaranteed to be used by out-of-town guests. The hybrid also makes for a lively and interesting community — a mix of familiar and fresh faces in the lounge, by the pool, at the cafe downstairs.

It's important to make the distinction between hotel-inspired condos and condo hotels, also known as "condotels." The latter are condos that are marketed to buyers who fully intend to rent out the space when they're not using it, with the assistance of a management company.

These typically appeal to those who plan to spend just a few months of the year in their residence and who are happy to make a bit of money in lieu of having their unit collect dust.

Condotels are often located in ski resort towns and warm weather destinations. They're usually taxed at a higher rate than typical residences, as they're regarded as a commercial venture.

Hotel-inspired condos, on the other hand, are targeted to people who want a bona fide home; a space on which they can put their personal stamp and where the staff know their name. Among their hotel-like characteristics:

- They have a location that befits an urban hotel. That is, they're usually downtown, at the heart of the action, well-served by taxis and public transit. They often boast amazing city views.

- They have a hotel esthetic. The common areas and elements of the residences are often designed by big-time designers; the names Brian Gluckstein and Cecconi Simone may ring some bells.

The current prevailing look is elegant, neutral and sleek; original artwork lines the walls. Over time, we can look forward to seeing new residences exhibit different personalities, from Old-World opulence to pop-inspired exuberance.

- They have a 24-hour concierge. A good concierge is your key to the city — even if you're city-born and -bred. You may not need a street map or a restaurant recommendation, but your concierge will likely have better luck than you will making that last-minute reservation at the latest hot spot. He or she has connections and knowledge that will actually make your life easier, whether you're looking for a tailor or tickets to the game.

- They offer the options of room service, housekeeping and luggage handling. The degree to which you use these services depends on you. The low-maintenance owner may call in a housekeeper once a year to polish things up before a cocktail party. Others may regularly call from the airport to have the heat turned up, the bed turned down and a favourite bottle put on ice.

- Finally, they have amenities that will knock your socks off. In addition to the pool, fitness club, hot tub, theatre, party room — de rigueur in most upscale condos — they offer true hotel perks such as spa treatments, personal fitness training and fine dining.

Hotel-inspired condo living doesn't come cheaply. On the other hand, it's hard to think of a more affordable way to have a butler, cook and maid at your beck and call.

For the financially fortunate, this type of residence represents luxury at its most sensible.

Everyone else can save up for a grand weekend at the latest condo hotel and live the dream for a night or two.

Marnie Bennett is a broker and the team leader of Bennett Property Shop Realty in Ottawa. She has more than 30 years' experience in real estate and has led her team to the top spot internationally for Keller Williams. Contact her at marniebennett@bennettpros.com for a free report on 6 Things You Must Know Before You Buy.

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A condo unit at Toronto's Ritz Carlton Hotel. There's a large, privileged segment of the population for whom this type of residence fills a real niche. Particularly for those who travel a lot - business people, politicians, professional athletes, well-to-do retirees - the combination of a private home with the amenities of an upscale hotel couldn't be more welcome.

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